EDITORIAL: The more famous an artist is, the more he needs bodyguards, not just one but many, especially when it comes to ensuring safety at crowded events. Therefore, many stars do not hesitate to spend billions of dong to hire private bodyguards, and many of them stick with their clients for many years like family. They are not only healthy and quick-witted, but also responsible, dedicated, and especially capable of keeping all secrets related to the stars. VietNamNet has developed a series of articles about bodyguards of famous stars in Vietnam and the world so that readers can have a glimpse of their special work.

Many ways to hire bodyguards

At the recent 80th anniversary celebration, parade, and march of the successful August Revolution and Vietnam's National Day, the image of a silver-haired bodyguard next to singer My Tam attracted public attention.

He is a bodyguard, actor, CEO Tung Yuki - who has accompanied singer My Tam at major events for decades. She once said that only he makes her feel trustworthy and safe when going to crowded places.

At regular events and music nights, My Tam still has bodyguards following her from performing on stage to interacting with fans.

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The image of bodyguard Tung Yuki accompanying My Tam at the A80 event received much public attention. Photo: Document

Son Tung M-TP is also one of the artists who "diligently" hires bodyguards. He always has a force following him closely at all shows and events... not only in public places but also in places that require entrance checks.

In 2021, he hired 10 bodyguards for less than 30 minutes of appearance at a gaming event he collaborated with. In 2023, the male singer was accompanied by bodyguards, holding black umbrellas to shield his image when arriving at a performance venue in Ho Chi Minh City.

Rapper Binz has often been to concerts and events with a large bodyguard team. When attending a music show in Da Nang in 2022, he was escorted into the event area by a team of nearly 20 bodyguards. Previously, in 2020, the rapper also left the concert venue with a large security team.

Singer Thanh Thao once caused a stir when dozens of bodyguards followed her at an event in Hue in 2023. She clarified that the bodyguards were sent by the organizers, not hired by her.

Similarly, after a video showed rapper Gonzo being escorted by six bodyguards on the street, his management company had to explain that this was a security team arranged by the music program.

Singer Thanh Thao with a magnificent bodyguard team

Many Vietnamese artists also seek out bodyguards as a necessary solution after scandals. For example, after being pepper-sprayed by anti-fans overseas in 2012, singer Dam Vinh Hung had to hire bodyguards to follow him around during his performances for a long time. Singer Siu Black also had to rely on bodyguard services when performing during the time when rumors of bankruptcy were circulating.

Controversial

Singer My Tam is the only name that has never caused controversy for hiring bodyguards.

As an S-list star, it is quite obvious that she needs bodyguards to ensure her personal safety. More importantly, the way Tung Yuki and the bodyguards follow My Tam closely without being ostentatious or causing trouble to others... becomes a plus point in the eyes of the audience.

Besides My Tam, cases with clear signs of life and health threats such as singer Dam Vinh Hung, Siu Black... are also understood and sympathized with by the audience.

Most of the remaining cases are controversial because they are considered inappropriate or misuse of the service.

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The image of Son Tung M-TP walking with his bodyguards is gradually becoming familiar. Photo: Document

The fact that beauty Vu Hoang Diep brought 26 bodyguards to her fashion show became a laughing stock in the entertainment industry for many years because of the obvious purpose of attracting attention. Or the fact that designer Do Manh Cuong had bodyguards following him closely during the model selection for his personal show in 2014 also confused the audience.

Many photos and videos show that some artists are completely unapproached, and even the area around them has no audience except for a large bodyguard team, so becoming the subject of public gossip is inevitable.

Even S-list stars like Son Tung M-TP, if they hire too many bodyguards or take actions like opening black umbrellas to block the camera, can still be judged as "overdoing it, unnecessary".

Return the bodyguard to his true nature

Many years ago, the market was not operated professionally, idol culture was still weak, so the image of artists surrounded by bodyguards made the audience feel strange, easily leading to controversy.

In recent years, the Vietnamese entertainment market has developed at a dizzying speed, idol culture has been clearly defined, and the need for artists to hire bodyguards has become reasonable and increasingly popular.

Programs and events must have security guards as a minimum requirement, otherwise they will be considered unprofessional.

The bodyguard profession in general and the group of bodyguards specializing in serving stars have become topics of public interest and discussion.

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It's time to properly recognize the role of bodyguards for artists. In the photo, the man in the blue suit is known to the Korean public as "Mr. Park" after being the personal bodyguard of singer IU for 10 years. Photo: Korean Pop Drama World

According to BodyguardStars - a website specializing in recruiting bodyguards for the entertainment industry, the bodyguard profession requires many requirements such as: good health and physical strength; martial arts skills; legal knowledge; ability to observe, react quickly and first aid skills.

However, to become a bodyguard for celebrities also requires crowd management skills; protection when moving in crowds; professional behavior in front of cameras and the media; confidentiality requirements regarding client information... even foreign language requirements in some cases.

As the entertainment market becomes more and more professional, the role of bodyguards is not only limited to pure protection but also associated with the image and brand of the artist.

The bodyguard profession in Vietnamese showbiz still has many interesting things behind it - from little-known stories about the profession to strict standards that not everyone can meet.

Seagull
 Lesson 2: Surprising revelation from the bodyguard who has held the secrets of My Tam and other A-list stars for 30 years

Silver-haired bodyguard close to My Tam: Owner of a company with 2,500 employees, discreet about his marriage Tung Yuki - a familiar male bodyguard who always appears next to My Tam and international stars at major events. His recent image at the A80 ceremony suddenly attracted attention.

Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/bao-ve-my-tam-son-tung-m-tp-o-dam-dong-lam-ve-si-cho-ngoi-sao-de-hay-kho-2440254.html